A Washington, DC, landmark, Ben's Chili Bowl has been serving locals half-smokes and chili fries since 1958, when it was a hub for luminaries such as Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Martin Luther King Jr., and more.9601280

A Washington, DC, landmark, Ben's Chili Bowl has been serving locals half-smokes and chili fries since 1958, when it was a hub for luminaries such as Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Martin Luther King Jr., and more.

True Reformer Building, built in 1902 by John Anderson Lankford, DC's first registered black architect. The building now sports a mural of Duke Ellington, and was the former location of the African American Civil War Museum.9601280

True Reformer Building, built in 1902 by John Anderson Lankford, DC's first registered black architect. The building now sports a mural of Duke Ellington, and was the former location of the African American Civil War Museum.

In the 1950s, "Black Broadway" included Lincoln Theatre, which today hosts theatre, dance and comedy shows.9601280

In the 1950s, "Black Broadway" included Lincoln Theatre, which today hosts theatre, dance and comedy shows.

Washington, DC's "U Street" neighborhood has been revitalized in recent years, and continues to be a center of African-American history and culture.9601280

Washington, DC's "U Street" neighborhood has been revitalized in recent years, and continues to be a center of African-American history and culture.

Established in 2005, Busboys and Poets was named for poet Langston Hughes, who worked as a busboy at the nearby Wardman Park Hotel. Busboys strives to be not just a restaurant/bar, but also "a community gathering place for artists, activists, writers, thinkers and dreamers."9601280

Established in 2005, Busboys and Poets was named for poet Langston Hughes, who worked as a busboy at the nearby Wardman Park Hotel. Busboys strives to be not just a restaurant/bar, but also "a community gathering place for artists, activists, writers, thinkers and dreamers."

The U Street district is a neighborhood of diverse cultures, with a mix of new businesses and restaurants operating amid the historic sites and flavors of the area's past.9601280

The U Street district is a neighborhood of diverse cultures, with a mix of new businesses and restaurants operating amid the historic sites and flavors of the area's past.

"Black Broadway" was marked by the day's big jazz luminaries: Duke Ellington (who was born in DC's west end), Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong and Pearl Bailey all played its clubs.9601280

"Black Broadway" was marked by the day's big jazz luminaries: Duke Ellington (who was born in DC's west end), Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong and Pearl Bailey all played its clubs.

The African American Civil War Memorial, the only national memorial commemorating African-American troops in the Civil War, bears these words by Frederick Douglass: "Better even to die free than to live slaves."9601280

The African American Civil War Memorial, the only national memorial commemorating African-American troops in the Civil War, bears these words by Frederick Douglass: "Better even to die free than to live slaves."

Spontaneous celebrations erupted all over Washington, DC, when President Barack Obama was declared the winner of the 2008 presidential election. U Street was the center of it with crowds dancing in the streets, at bus stops and even on top of cars.9601280

Spontaneous celebrations erupted all over Washington, DC, when President Barack Obama was declared the winner of the 2008 presidential election. U Street was the center of it with crowds dancing in the streets, at bus stops and even on top of cars.

"The Alchemy of Ben Ali" mural, located on the side of Ben's Next Door, shows a portrait of the Alis (founders of the landmark, Ben's Chili Bowl) alongside images of a protest and a butterfly, which depicts the transformation of the area through the years.9601280

"The Alchemy of Ben Ali" mural, located on the side of Ben's Next Door, shows a portrait of the Alis (founders of the landmark, Ben's Chili Bowl) alongside images of a protest and a butterfly, which depicts the transformation of the area through the years.

Bohemian Cavern, a restaurant and jazz club dating back to 1926 where John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley and Miles Davis played, continues to be the spot for jazz in DC.9601280

Bohemian Cavern, a restaurant and jazz club dating back to 1926 where John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley and Miles Davis played, continues to be the spot for jazz in DC.

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Photos

Cabin Replica Dollywood

Childhood Cabin“Back through the years … I go wonderin’ once again … back to the seasons of my youth.” Dolly grew up “dirt poor,” one of 12 children. But her childhood in a 1-bedroom Tennessee cabin was rich with music. Both of Dolly’s parents belonged to a Pentecostal church, and Dolly often performed spiritual songs as a kid. Relive that world in this cabin replica at Dollywood.9601280

Childhood Cabin“Back through the years … I go wonderin’ once again … back to the seasons of my youth.” Dolly grew up “dirt poor,” one of 12 children. But her childhood in a 1-bedroom Tennessee cabin was rich with music. Both of Dolly’s parents belonged to a Pentecostal church, and Dolly often performed spiritual songs as a kid. Relive that world in this cabin replica at Dollywood.

Cabin Replica - Courtesy of Dollywood

Ryman Auditorium

Ryman Auditorium

Ryman Auditorium The day after she graduated high school, Dolly headed to Nashville, America’s country music capital. At Ryman Auditorium (the Grand Ole Opry’s home at the time), Dolly got this advice from Johnny Cash: “Go where your heart takes you.” Dolly poured her heart into songs like “Love and Learn.”9601280

Ryman Auditorium The day after she graduated high school, Dolly headed to Nashville, America’s country music capital. At Ryman Auditorium (the Grand Ole Opry’s home at the time), Dolly got this advice from Johnny Cash: “Go where your heart takes you.” Dolly poured her heart into songs like “Love and Learn.”

Thinkstock

Grand Ole Opry

Grand Ole Opry

Grand Ole OpryBy her early 20s, Dolly had already made 2 studio albums and was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry’s roster of singing legends. More than 40 years later, Dolly remains an active member and performs here several times a year.9601280

Grand Ole OpryBy her early 20s, Dolly had already made 2 studio albums and was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry’s roster of singing legends. More than 40 years later, Dolly remains an active member and performs here several times a year.

Joe Shlabotnik, flickr

Austin, TX

Austin, TX

Austin, TXThis much fun couldn’t be legal! In 1982, Dolly headed to Austin, TX, for movie-making magic. As “Miss Mona,” Dolly won the heart of local sheriff Ed Earl (played by Burt Reynolds) in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.9601280

Austin, TXThis much fun couldn’t be legal! In 1982, Dolly headed to Austin, TX, for movie-making magic. As “Miss Mona,” Dolly won the heart of local sheriff Ed Earl (played by Burt Reynolds) in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

Thinkstock

Dolly Parton walk of fame star

Dolly Parton walk of fame star

Hollywood Walk of FameSpeaking to her crossover appeal, Dolly got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1984. By then, Dolly had already starred in the mega-hit 9 to 5 as secretary-hero Doralee Rhodes, who tells her boss, "I'm gonna change you from a rooster to a hen with one shot!” Dolly also sang the movie’s title song, which was No. 1 on the Billboard charts for 2 weeks.9601280

Hollywood Walk of FameSpeaking to her crossover appeal, Dolly got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1984. By then, Dolly had already starred in the mega-hit 9 to 5 as secretary-hero Doralee Rhodes, who tells her boss, "I'm gonna change you from a rooster to a hen with one shot!” Dolly also sang the movie’s title song, which was No. 1 on the Billboard charts for 2 weeks.

Pamla J. Eisenberg, flickr

Natchitoches, LA

Natchitoches, LA

Natchitoches, LAIn 1989, Dolly starred in another smash-hit film, Steel Magnolias, which was filmed here, in Natchitoches, LA. As beauty salon owner Truvy Jones, Dolly offers tell-it-like-it-is, one-liners: “Honey, time marches on and eventually you realize it is marchin’ across your face.”9601280

Natchitoches, LAIn 1989, Dolly starred in another smash-hit film, Steel Magnolias, which was filmed here, in Natchitoches, LA. As beauty salon owner Truvy Jones, Dolly offers tell-it-like-it-is, one-liners: “Honey, time marches on and eventually you realize it is marchin’ across your face.”

Louisiana Office of Tourism

Dollywood’s Splash Country

Dollywood’s Splash Country

Dollywood’s Splash CountryDolly’s pride in her east Tennessee roots has enriched her local community. In 1986, Dolly opened Dollywood, which is now the No. 24 theme park in the US and employs 3,000 people -- including many senior citizens. Among its attractions is Splash Country waterpark (pictured here), which opened in Pigeon Forge, TN, in 2001.9601280

Dollywood’s Splash CountryDolly’s pride in her east Tennessee roots has enriched her local community. In 1986, Dolly opened Dollywood, which is now the No. 24 theme park in the US and employs 3,000 people -- including many senior citizens. Among its attractions is Splash Country waterpark (pictured here), which opened in Pigeon Forge, TN, in 2001.

Dollywood

Tour bus

Tour bus

Dolly’s Tour BusWhen this tour bus was built for Dolly in 1994, it cost an impressive $750,000. Step inside, at Dollywood, and be amazed: 2 bathrooms, a full bath and shower, plus 3 other beds -- now that’s traveling in style.9601280

Dolly’s Tour BusWhen this tour bus was built for Dolly in 1994, it cost an impressive $750,000. Step inside, at Dollywood, and be amazed: 2 bathrooms, a full bath and shower, plus 3 other beds -- now that’s traveling in style.

Dollywood

Eagle Mountain Sanctuary

Eagle Mountain Sanctuary

Eagle Mountain Sanctuary The beauty of her native Tennessee has inspired many of Dolly’s songs, so it’s only fitting that Dolly is a big conservationist. Since 1994, Dollywood has been home to a 30,000-square-foot aviary, which houses America’s largest presentation of non-releasable bald eagles.9601280

Eagle Mountain Sanctuary The beauty of her native Tennessee has inspired many of Dolly’s songs, so it’s only fitting that Dolly is a big conservationist. Since 1994, Dollywood has been home to a 30,000-square-foot aviary, which houses America’s largest presentation of non-releasable bald eagles.

Dollywood

Dixie Stampede

Dixie Stampede

Dixie StampedeMega-music star, hit-movie actor … and powerhouse business leader. Dolly has invested much of her earnings into business ventures -- with direct benefit to local communities. Here’s Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede dinner theater in Branson, MO, which employs nearly 300 local people.9601280

Dixie StampedeMega-music star, hit-movie actor … and powerhouse business leader. Dolly has invested much of her earnings into business ventures -- with direct benefit to local communities. Here’s Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede dinner theater in Branson, MO, which employs nearly 300 local people.

Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction

Country Music Hall of Fame

Country Music Hall of Fame

Country Music Hall of FameThe “Queen of Country Music” officially got her crown in 1999, with her induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. That night, with her brother and sister cheering her on, an emotional Dolly thanked many people, including “Mr. Grand Ole Opry,” Porter Wagoner.9601280

Country Music Hall of FameThe “Queen of Country Music” officially got her crown in 1999, with her induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. That night, with her brother and sister cheering her on, an emotional Dolly thanked many people, including “Mr. Grand Ole Opry,” Porter Wagoner.

Tim Hursley

Songwriters Hall of Fame

Songwriters Hall of Fame

Songwriters Hall of FameDolly wrote her first song at the age of 5. Through the years, her songs have been covered by many other big names, from Whitney Houston (“I Will Always Love You”) to Bob Dylan (“Jolene”). Some 3,000 self-penned songs later, Dolly was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2001.9601280

Songwriters Hall of FameDolly wrote her first song at the age of 5. Through the years, her songs have been covered by many other big names, from Whitney Houston (“I Will Always Love You”) to Bob Dylan (“Jolene”). Some 3,000 self-penned songs later, Dolly was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2001.

WireImage.com / M. Sullivan

Kennedy Center

Kennedy Center

Kennedy Center“Dolly has a way of making everyone feel like they’re the only one in the room.” In 2006, country singer Reba McEntire introduced her friend Dolly Parton, who was being honored at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for her prolific songwriting … and a “voice that can bring you joy and hope when it isn’t breaking your heart.”9601280

Kennedy Center“Dolly has a way of making everyone feel like they’re the only one in the room.” In 2006, country singer Reba McEntire introduced her friend Dolly Parton, who was being honored at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for her prolific songwriting … and a “voice that can bring you joy and hope when it isn’t breaking your heart.”

Thinkstock

Dolly Parton on Broadway

Dolly Parton on Broadway

BroadwayThese days, Dolly is Broadway-bound. The singer’s rise from backcountry girl to country music superstar is now being developed into a Broadway musical. And Dolly’s writing it. This won’t be her first foray into the big lights of Broadway. In 2009, 9 to 5: The Musical debuted.9601280

BroadwayThese days, Dolly is Broadway-bound. The singer’s rise from backcountry girl to country music superstar is now being developed into a Broadway musical. And Dolly’s writing it. This won’t be her first foray into the big lights of Broadway. In 2009, 9 to 5: The Musical debuted.

Great Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains“Oh, these Northern nights are dreary, and my Southern heart is weary … the Smoky Mountains memories keep me strong,” Dolly once sang. Beyond song, Dolly showed her support for the mountains she loves when she joined Tennessee leaders in rededicating the Smoky Mountains National Park, on its 75th anniversary, in 2009.9601280

Great Smoky Mountains“Oh, these Northern nights are dreary, and my Southern heart is weary … the Smoky Mountains memories keep me strong,” Dolly once sang. Beyond song, Dolly showed her support for the mountains she loves when she joined Tennessee leaders in rededicating the Smoky Mountains National Park, on its 75th anniversary, in 2009.

BlackburnPhoto, flickr

Dolly Statue Sevierville

Dolly Statue Sevierville

Dolly StatueSo, in a career that’s garnered her 10 Country Music Association awards, 2 Academy Award nominations, 45 Grammy Award nominations and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award … what is the one honor that Dolly cherishes the most? This statue outside the Sevierville, TN, courthouse. Because, she’s said, it came from the people who knew her best.9601280

Dolly StatueSo, in a career that’s garnered her 10 Country Music Association awards, 2 Academy Award nominations, 45 Grammy Award nominations and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award … what is the one honor that Dolly cherishes the most? This statue outside the Sevierville, TN, courthouse. Because, she’s said, it came from the people who knew her best.